Behind the Blue Curtain

In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain , we explore Rootabaga Country , Sarasota Youth Opera's fall production by composer and librettist Rachel J. Peters. Inspired by the whimsical stories of Carl Sandburg, Rootabaga Country follows Gimme the Ax and his two children, Please Gimme and Ax Me No Questions, on a fantastical journey through a world filled with imagination, humor, and heart. Along...

In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain , host Hallie Geyh takes listeners inside Sarasota Opera's 2026 Fall production of Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel . From enchanted forests and magical creatures to gingerbread houses and a delightfully wicked witch, discover how this beloved story comes to life on stage. First, director and choreographer Felicity Stiverson shares how her backgr...

What happens before the curtain rises? In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain , host Hallie Geyh sits down with Sarasota Opera Director of Production Scott Keclik and Production Stage Manager Francesca MacBeth to explore the hidden world of opera production. From coordinating hundreds of artists and technicians to managing scene changes, rehearsals, and opening night, they reveal what it takes...

In the Season 2 premiere of  Behind the Blue Curtain , host Hallie Geyh sits down with Sarasota Opera's General and Artistic Director, Richard Russell, for a conversation about leadership, legacy, and the season ahead. A member of the Sarasota Opera family since 1989, Russell reflects on his journey from apprentice artist to company leader and shares his vision for the future of the company. Toget...

In this episode of  Behind the Blue Curtain , host Martha Collins explores Carlisle Floyd’s gripping opera  Susannah , a powerful story of innocence, sin, hypocrisy, and repentance. Soprano Hanna Brammer, who stars in the title role, shares insights into Susannah’s emotional journey and the challenge of portraying her dramatic transformation. The conversation continues with Christopher James Ray,...

In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain , host Martha Collins is joined by mezzo soprano Lisa Chavez and stage director Marco Nisticò for a deep dive into Verdi’s Il trovatore. Together they explore the opera’s unforgettable music, its sweeping themes of love, vengeance, trauma, and loyalty, and the raw humanity at the center of its characters. Lisa discusses the emotional complexity of Azucena...

Martha Collins is joined by conductor Anthony Barrese and set designer Steven C. Kemp, who share how Sarasota Opera’s new production of The Merry Widow came to life, from musical style to set design, mood, and theatrical surprises. Later, soprano Raquel González, our Merry Widow herself, talks about preparing the role of Hanna, approaching operetta as a performer, and building onstage chemistry. W...

Join us for   La bohème: Poetry, Poverty, and Passion . In this episode, we explore the timeless story of love, art, and heartbreak. Join Martha Collins, stage director Stephanie Sundine and soprano Ashley Milanese, who sings Mimi, as they share behind‑the‑scenes stories, artistic insights, and what makes this beloved opera so emotionally powerful. From Puccini’s soaring music to the poetry and pa...

In this episode, host Lael Mohib explores Sarasota Opera’s Youth Opera's moving production of Brundibàr . Joined by Martha Collins and Jessé Martins, the discussion delves into the historical significance of the opera, the emotional impact of its prologue, and why engaging young artists matters. Former Youth Opera member Pablo González shares his inspiring journey—from his first role to the lastin...

In today’s episode: Mozart’s Così fan tutte — a tale of duplicity, disguises, and delightful deception. Host Martha Collins sits down with Artistic Director Maestro Victor DeRenzi to explore Mozart’s emotional depth and Sarasota Opera’s bold commitment to presenting works exactly as the composer intended — a rare and refreshingly authentic approach in today’s opera world. Then, she chats with oper...

In this special episode of  Behind the Blue Curtain , host Martha Collins sits down with sisters  Lauren and Candice Henry , co-founders of  Aretios , to explore what draws a new generation to opera. They share their first full-length opera experience at Sarasota Opera, reflect on the emotional power of live performance, and discuss why opera is more accessible than many think. From the talent on...

Martha Collins sits down with Maestro Victor DeRenzi, General Director Richard Russell, and DaCapo members Candice and Lauren Henry to explore the upcoming 67th season. They share personal stories of discovering opera, discuss efforts to make the art form more accessible, and reflect on the rich history of the Sarasota Opera House as it approaches its 100th anniversary. Whether you're a seasoned o...